We’ve all heard the saying “you are what you eat.” It’s a cliché, but consistently eating healthy food can really help get you that radiant look. The antioxidants, like vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and B vitamins, function as bodyguards to your skin cells, helping protect them from damage
1. Watermelon
Watermelon
Two cups of cubed watermelon equal a full cup of water and can help you (and therefore your skin cells) stay hydrated. Plus, the beta-carotene and vitamin C found in watermelon makes it an antioxidant-packed snack
2. Oats
Oats
Oats provide selenium, an antioxidant compound that helps protect cells from damage (the type that could ultimately lead to mutation and tumor growth long-term). Plus, the prebiotics found in oats fuel your body’s beneficial probiotics, bolstering your immune system overall.
3. Olives
Olives
The polyphenolic compounds found in olives may help protect cells from disruption and improve blood flow throughout your body. Choose these antioxidant-packed fruits to help protect skin cells and improve health overall. They’ll fill you up with a combo of unsaturated fat and fiber.
4. Grapes
Grapes
Red, green, and black grapes provide a combo of ellagic acid and resveratrol, two compounds that help combat oxidative stress. Another may also aid in maintaining skin cell regeneration.
5. Garlic
Garlic
Herbs and spices like garlic, oregano, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger can lend a hand, too. It can cause structural changes in skin when they accumulate, but your favorite flavorings may help slow down the build-up of AGEs.
6. Strawberries
Strawberries
These bright berries are full of good-for-you vitamin C and flavonoids, both of which maintain and promote skin health. The best part? Even though they’re seasonal, they retain their nutrients when frozen, so you can enjoy the skin-soothing benefits all year round.
7. Tomatoes
Tomatoes
Tomatoes boast lycopene, a pigment that’s naturally found in skin. While it won’t replace sunscreen, this antioxidant can offer long-term protection against UV radiation and neutralize harmful free radicals.